Ah, the winter doldrums and cooped-up kids are trying your nerves. Wouldn't it be great if you could take them to a trout pond? Or let them hone their shooting skills using an air gun or archery gear?

The 2016 Great American Outdoor Show, held at the Harrisburg Farm Show complex, opens today and continues through Feb. 14. In addition to the Family Friendly Fun Zone, which includes the fishing and shooting activities mentioned above, the show features about 1,100 exhibitors, which includes shooting manufacturers, outfitters, boat and RV dealers, hunting and fishing retailers and many food vendors."We can't just leave out the kids," said Jeremy Greene, Director of Marketing and Media Relations, National Rifle Association (NRA), Fairfax, Virginia. "The air gun range is staffed by certified NRA instructors, and has really cool interactive targets."The show will feature appearances by some of the biggest names in the outdoor industry, including Kawasaki Powersports newest family member, six-time World Wrestling Federation Champion and WWE Hall of Fame member "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, who will host an autograph session February 10 at the Kawasaki Booth. Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson will share his strong beliefs in liberty and the protections afforded to us in the Constitution at UnMuzzled: Phil Robertson Talks God, Guns, and Country on February 12 at the Large Arena. Joining Phil as musical entertainment will be lifelong hunter and HeadHunter TV host Nate Hosie.Duck Dynasty star Jase Robertson, professional archer and Fear No Evil host Chris Brackett, nine-time UFC Welterweight Champion Matt Hughes, American hunting couple Lee and Tiffany Lakosky, Brian "Pigman" Quaca, R. Lee Ermey, as well as professional bass anglers Mike Iaconelli, Ott DeFoe, Ish Monroe, Jacob Prowroznik, Pete Gluszek, and John Crews, will present information-packed seminars.The full schedule of appearances, as well as daily times for the show, is available at

www.greatamericanoutdoorshow.org. Also available via the website, and new this year, is an "App" which can be downloaded to a mobile device."We wanted to make it easier for people to find information once they're at the show," Greene said. "They can find a certain exhibitor, or make sure they're not missing a seminar."Greene also urged attendees to visit The Gun Wall, run by the NRA Foundation, which has been a feature at the show for two years. The Wall is loaded with prizes, including guns, archery equipment and other outdoor gear. Chances for a prize are $10, and a drawing is made each time 100 tickets have been sold."The NRA Foundation supports national and local programs," Greene said. "For example, we've donated $50,000 to the Harrisburg Police Department to fully equip cruisers, and we've also donated to the local Civil War Museum and local Veterans' groups."